Conrado Morejon - My Father

Imagine yourself in the beautiful tropical island of Cuban, back in the 1950's, when it was regarded as the Monte Carlo of the west. The casinos, the nightlife, the beach resorts, the music, the food, and everything that defines tropical paradise. My father smoking one of those incredible Cuban cigars, with a side of expresso coffee. Life couldn't be any better. The money was flowing from my grandfather's business, and my father was the white linen suite Cuban gigalo type that would make the deals for my grandfather, and deal with the corrupt Batista government and the Cuban Mafia - pay protection money that is. That all changed one New Years eve, when this bearded guy marched into Havana on a jeep - this will change the outcome of a nation, and all those who believed in freedom. Lots of struggle to just survive the tyranny of the new communist regime, decisions were made to leave the island for the US. A new country welcomed us with open arms, full of opportunity, and freedom - something not understood by those who were born here. From riches to factory workers my parents transitioned, not knowing the language, the culture, or the American way - but all this sacrifice was done so that me and my sister Maggie would get an education and live in freedom. Through their hard efforts, they put me and my sister through USC, and on our way to deal with life. They have given so much for things we are just now realizing. But through all of this hardship, the thing that stood out in our minds was the true "LOVE" my parents shared through their 52 years of marriage. This picture between the two palms in Cuba was taken during their honeymoon, one of my favorite pictures of all times. The picture at the end I took at their 50th anniversary celebration, and as you can tell, the LOVE is still the same - amazing! Everytime I get disappointed, I look at them and know that God's sanctitude of marriage is still possible. It was a great blessing to help my sister coordinate my parents 50th anniversary, it was an enchanted day - first class all of the way. They really deserved it and they had an incredible experience. It was only five months after that event that my father fell ill with a stroke and other complications. The next three years that followed were full of challenges, pain, and incredible sacrifice by my parents - it totally changed our perspective on the meaning of "quality of life". As my dad's condition continued to decline, my sister and I decided to keep him at home to provide the best care possible. I have to say that my mother has totally put her life on hold for the last three years to take the "BEST" care possible of him, if it wasn't for that, he would have passed long ago. The last two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for all of us, facing the reality that it's time for him to go - we thought we were ready, but it was just an illusion. My mother holding on for every possible minute with him, and my sister and I dealing with the nurses and Doctors to find out how we can make his last hours as comfortable as possible. The last 30 hours were incredibly terrifying for us as he struggled to catch his every breath. As much as I wanted to be by his side, I would have to walk out of the room every so often to catch my own breath - I couldn't stand to see him suffering so much. If there was a plug to pull, I would have pulled it! Giving morphine every hour, barely helped him ease his struggles - finally at 2:01 am this Thursday he gave up and released his soul to heaven. I pray that God opens his gates of heaven and have his angels escort him to paradise. I'm thankful to have been given the opportunity to be by his side as he left this earth, as he was by my side when I entered it. The last three years have been very difficult for me, as I would visit him and try to deal with my own mortality - will this happen to me as well? Who will take care of me? All the thoughts that goes through one's head as they face death. My faith is clear, and I know that we struggle here on earth, but through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, I will be in heaven. And the word of God promises that even in our moment of death his angels will minister to us. My parents have sacrificed all of their lives for me and my sister. Now, I look at myself and wonder if I will be the same type of father, and will my children honor and respect me as I have my father - I think I fall real short of that measurement stick, and have lots to learn from my parents. Now I struggle to deal with he fact that my two father figures are gone, my father and Chief (my Martial Arts father) - who will I turn to now? How will I deal with the cards that life still has waiting for me? Only my Father who is in heaven, and his son Jesus, my Lord and savior, can I rely on now. God promised that he will not give us anything we can not handle, and he will always provide for us - my faith shall carry me through. For now, may my father rest in peace, in the glory of heaven, where there is no more pain and sorrow - look over us, I love you dad . . .